Henry Darger

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January 1, 1971. I had a very poor nothing like Christmas. Never had a good Christmas all my life, nor a good new year, and now…. I am very bitter but fortunately not revengeful, though I feel should be how I am…’

—H.D.

(Art: Cat-Headed Blengin, date unknown.)

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Another thing on my wishlist is a book on Henry Darger's work.  I can look at his creations forever, and I'm always finding something new.  There is so much of his work that when I look up his images, I end up discovering a piece I've never seen before. Amazing. What a story this man had. 

Here is more about him here.   I've mentioned before that his work would make really interesting tattoos.   I still dream about getting something done, but I have to limit my options.  That is going to be tough.  If you still haven't seen In The Realms of the Unreal, you must make that one of your resolutions.  It is one of the most beautiful documentaries. 


Sad he never had a good christmas.  Lets all try to have a joyful one, and a happy hanukkah + new year! 


your friend,


ava

empty

Copyright Ava Alamshah, 2011.  Ink, markers, colored pencil.   

Here's a piece I did for a little employee art show we are having at my workplace.  I work at Trader Joes.  Jeaux thinks my drawing has a hopeful feeling.  I think it is kind of melancholy sad.  What is your interpretation? 


Stop by the Silverlake store to check out the original starting on December 20th.  It will be for sale, along with limited edition prints of the same image!  Email me at ava.alamshah@gmail.com for more information.  




your friend,


ava

Vulnerability = POWER

As soon as I logged onto my computer this morning, I saw this.  Very inspiring.  I never thought being vulnerable could have such a positive influence, but from my own experiences, I have to say that results can be eye opening.  It reveals inner truth, and that's pretty powerful. 


Have a great day! 




your friend,




ava

WANT

On my wish list....


Rachel Comey's shoes are beautiful.  I own one pair courtesy of her line for Urban Outfitters.  Otherwise, I can't afford them.  These beauties are 434.95 on solestruck.  They are a lot more on the Anthro site..448.  Time to save those purrrtyy pennies or just splurge with some much needed xmas dollars.  Oh thank you, Jesus!  I wear a size 7.5 to 8 in case anyone is feeling R E A L L Y generous. 




your friend,




ava

S W I N E update!

A T T E N T I O N !  * * Los Angeles friends* *


You can rent a copy of Swine from the Echo Park Film Center for just two bucks! I love the EPFC, and was introduced to that place by my friend, Brad.  Bradley was the cinematographer/editor for Swine and use to take classes under Paolo, EPFC owner and all around nice guy.  It's also located on my most favorite block in Echo Park, on Alvarado, in between Sunset and Reservoir.  Next door to the film center is Machine Project, and right next door to that you've got the downbeat cafe.  So have some green tea (my beverage of choice), see an art opening and check out a 5 dollar screening all in the same night!  You can't beat it.  If you haven't seen my post about the film and our epic premiere night...click here. 


And now, here's executive producer, Koren Young. 

your friend,




ava

Premiere Night!

Me and my gorgeous friend, Bethany, at the grand reception!  We've known each other for about 14 years and recently had our 10 year high school reunion (that we never went to).  Lovely photo courtesy of Emylie! 

I'm so glad to finally be writing about my friends and the exciting night they had two Saturdays ago.  The day after this night, my cold ended up resurfacing, and I'm just now starting to come out of my funk.  So here it is....Premiere Night!  


My good friend Daniel is the director of a little three part feature titled Swine.  Swine has action, Sci-fi battles with lazer guns, hot babes, great locations with vast desert landscapes, ghost towns, abandoned country sides...the best thing of all, a lot of close friends got to work on this and make cameos!  I didn't make a cameo, but I got to work a bit on props, painting some guns! 

some detail work on this huge machine gun/cannon...I think this was 2009

a perfectly good photo...bomb

Amber and I had great coats that day.  Her coat, red and mine, pink!  That's Emylie right above us looking sassy.  There's Daniel!  This was truly his night.  Our friend Koren was the executive producer and he managed to get the Premiere shown at the wonderful Laemmle Playhouse 7 in Pasadena.  It is truly one of my most favorite theaters ever and there is always something interesting playing there.  If you are ever in need of a good indie film and inexpensive prices, the Laemmle is the place to go. I mean, bargain prices are 8 bucks and that's how much it would have cost to go to the movies in the 90s!  Sigh...the good ole days.  It was a midnight showing and the cast, crew, friends and family all had the theater to ourselves. We all met up beforehand for free pizza at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana.

See, free pizza! 

I don't know about those yelpers, but I have to be honest.  I'm very picky when it comes to pizza..very.  I mean my mom's a New Yorker for cryin out loud!  I've had pizza in New York, Chicago, and Italy.  I have to say,  New York takes the cake. Those immigrants sure new what they were doing.  I'm sad, because I can't eat pizza all the time, but this night was special.   Though the pizza at Settebello, not very good.  The dough was soggy and flimsy, and it was just mediocre.  But it was free, so I ended up having three slices.  I know, beggars can't be choosers.  I do have to say, the staff was great for having us there and they kept the pizzas coming, and fast!  Major props guys!

Jeaux snapped this one right before we left. It was a chilly night, which made me happy because I finally got to wear my coat!

The serious director, Mr. Levitch.

Here's Beth and I being groupies in the parking lot.  This was around 2am and we had to get to our cars fast, or else the Pasadena Parking Police would have given us major tickets.  Oh, Pasadena and your crazy meters.  We are holding our very own copies of the film.  My boyfriend designed the illustrations that are on the cover!  Check them out!  I know he worked very hard on them, and is very proud of his contribution.


My friends want to turn this small trilogy into a feature length film one day.  If you can, please take the time to donate here.  I know times are tough in our country right now, so if you can't afford to donate, please help spread the word to the masses!  Here's their official facebook page. 




your friend,


ava

oodles of poodles

Feeling kind of uninspired lately. I think this cold has really gotten me down.  My boyfriend sent me this photo of Audrey a little while ago because he knows how obsessed I've become.  How can I be sad when looking at this beautiful woman in her poodle blouse? 

Speaking of poodles, look what I found!

That's a young Joan Collins in the first photo.  When I clicked on the image, it led me to this woman's really cute blog.  I was happy to discover that Johanna loves vintage fashion, and from the looks of it, she makes her own clothes.  She is also from Sweden, collects Barbie dolls, loves Disney themed parks and paints. She's also cute as a button.  Check out her style.  Very retro.  Let's be friends. 


Also, how weird and awesome is that photo of Zsa Zsa Gabor?  That poodle cracks me up, I don't know how to feel about this.




your friend,


ava

Hibernation Part !!

Being sick also gives me a lot of time to waste time on the internet.  Check out some raddd photos I found of my favorite fashion icons.  Google images is ridiculously addictive! 

I don't like to promote guns, but Angelica looks fierce! 

Oh, the colors...sigh.  I'm sorry, but she was hands down the most stylish first lady.

I watched a bit of Vertigo last night and I want to look like Kim Novak.  Which version, you ask?  Probably Jimmy Stewart's fantasy with the icy blond locks, but in reality it may be less of a challenge to achieve the look of brunette Kim (no dying my hair). Either way, she's gorgeous.  Watching the trailer again, I just have to say that Vertigo is my absolute favorite Hitchcock film, even more than Psycho, more than Rear Window (let's face it, they are all good).  Maybe it's the wardrobe design by Edith Head, or that amazing Bernard Herrmann score. I love, LOVE the opening titles designed by Saul Bass.  Listen to this guy.  He seems to know a thing or two about film. 

It was also filmed all over San Francisco, which is a city close to my heart due to some dear friends that live there. 

Great trick photography back then! 

That coat! Those gloves! Perfection. 

 More Angelica...I'm obsessed. 

Great look for the next Spring/Summer.  Totally copying.

Bedtime...

your friend,

ava

Hibernation

To all my friends,

I am alive (I promise) and recovering from a head cold that has plagued me on and off for about three weeks now. It has been quite the little tragedy because I missed out on a lot.  I've missed out on friend's concerts, parties, being outside, I didn't feel like blogging, I was really sad about it actually.  So many wonderful things were happening around me, for instance, my pal Clark plays drums for the band, Melotia, and he had a free show at The Roxy.  Now the sunset strip isn't my bag, baby, but I've gone to some pretty neat shows there.  I remember seeing an amazing live performance of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at said Roxy that blew my mind.  Remember Michael Pitt in the film version?!  So, so hot (check out those pants, and those pouty lips!)

Also, Clark is awesome and I've been wanting to check out his gigs, but coincidentally have been sick each time. There must be a God somewhere that refuses to let me see pop metal shows, but few of you know I can get down with my inner metal goddess.  It's true.

 

The lovely, Ema Tunermann, had a show that same night.  I would have gone to both, although her show was at the Silverlake Lounge, clear on the other side of Sunset.  She is very talented and I can't tell you how much I love to see her perform.  Actually....oh yes, I CAN, I've done that twice! 


I also missed this last night.  I'm fascinated with Lynch's style of filmmaking, and I am certain that his music will be just as haunting...and strange. I hope I can meet him one day so he can sign my Blue Velvet ring, made especially for me back in school by my friend, Rio. It contains this image below, and I really should wear it more often. 

On a good note, I've managed to obtain a lot of needed rest.  I wouldn't say it was all boring either.  I've caught up with my nail painting (glitter fabulous!),

watched some wonderfully disturbing episodes of Boardwalk Empire (SPOILER ALERT*SPOILER ALERT...everyone saw the incest thing coming, right?!), oh yeah...hello again Michael Pitt..

source via interview

...saw one of my favorite films I haven't seen in a long time Double Indemnity, while eating gluten free chocolate chip cookies that are actually delicious...it's been great. 


The best thing of all is that Jeaux came to visit me with Matzo Ball soup today.  Bits of chicken, matzo, noodles, carrots, celery, and all that wonderful broth.  Needless to say, I was a happy woman. Thanks honey!  I still feel a bit wonky, but well enough to have the energy to write again. There was one night I was able to go out, and that was last Saturday.  I had the pleasure of enjoying my friend, Daniel's, movie premiere!  Here's a sneak peak.  Promise to have more on that story very soon. 


your friend,


ava